USA Swimmer Katie Ledecky won her first gold medal of the Olympic Games in Rio over the weekend and beat her own world record in the 400 meter free-style.

Her time of 3 minutes and 56.46 seconds is the new world record, surpassing 3:58.37. The new world record is the 12th one the Olympic swimmer has set since the games in London in 2012.

But this world-class athlete has ties to North Dakota. Ledecky's maternal grandfather Edward served on the park board in Williston as chairman and has two pools in Williston that bear his name according to Bustle.

In 2014, Katie Ledecky swam the ceremonial first lap in the Olympic size swimming pool that opened in the new $70 million Williston Recreation Center. It was named after her grandfather, Edward Hagan.

At the time, Ledecky told SwimSwam.com, “It means so much to be able to swim that first lap. My grandfather loved his hometown and he loved his country. That’s why it’s extra special for me to swim at the pool dedication.”

Hagan opened Williston's first indoor public pool back in 1967.

Hagan died in June of 2008 according to an obituary in the Bismarck Tribune.

Ledecky will swim in the 800 freestyle later this week in Rio.

And here's a little bit of fun. In 1998, Katie Ledecky's mother was visiting the TODAY show and Katie was there as a baby. Ledecky's mother also gave a shout out to her parents (her dad being Edward Hagan) back in North Dakota. Here is the video:

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